What is traditional Karate, and why is it used within certain circles? Traditionalists, as they are called, use the term “traditional karate” to claim legitimacy to the martial art they are practising or teaching. The traditional karate dojo, or instructor or student, will use their lineage as proof that their style is authentic.  

Many karate dojos do not know how to show students what value they have, other than constantly bang the drum that they are authentic, only their way is right. These same people will quickly point out the faults of other schools, calling them McDojos.   

What traditions do traditional karate schools teach or attempt to teach? Let’s look at Karate schools in the United States who teach Okinawan Karate. These schools will try to mimic what they perceive as the Okinawan or Japanese way. Somehow, either being stationed in Okinawa or traveling to Okinawa for a week every year makes certain instructors more Okinawan or Japanese. Their time spent in Okinawa has given them special insight into foreign countries’ cultural norms, then they attempt to superimpose this preconceived idea on top of our American culture. This couldn’t be the furthest from the truth.

Cultures like the Okinawan and Japanese are based on collectivism ideas, stemming from their foundation in Budism, Confucianism. Here in America, we focus on individualism and the pursuit of our individual happiness.  

Most Senseis, who go beyond teaching Karate, and insist on adhering to Japanese cultural concepts in the Dojo, usually also want students to transform to these standards outside the Dojo. Humility is a big term they like to throw around, belittling students if they don’t show the right humility. The same goes for respect. While there is nothing wrong with showing respect, many of them take it to the extremes. Insisting that if you have questions, it is “disrespectful” to ask. You should keep training.  In my experience, this is an example of someone who didn’t know the answer, hiding behind some made up rule.

Traditional Karate, Authentic Karate, Classic Karate, Old School Karate, “The Old Ways” or even Orthodox Karate are all terms used by martial art schools who are virtue signalling. They are trying to show that they are above all others because of who they have trained under or what the lineage is.

The school’s lineage means very little. Many of these instructors have jumped more than a Mexican jumping bean from one association to another, just long enough to gain a promotion. I have seen people promoted not on their ability, but on the need, and want to add them to the books of the association. 
Find a karate school that teaches concepts and ideas, one that doesn’t focus on ranks and promotions.